Systems and methods for automated, lighter-than-air airborne platform

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein enable routine autonomous execution of at least some major phases of aerostat operation in response to commands from human or automated external operators, a built-in decision-making capacity, or both. Various embodiments combine one or more actively controlled tethers, aerodynamic aerostat control surfaces, mechanical assistive devices (e.g., jointed arms attached to a ground station), and / or active propulsors attached to the aerostat to govern aerostat behavior during launch, flight, and landing phases of operation. Some embodiments enable automatic autonomous performance of all phases of routine post-commissioning aerostat operation, including launch, flight, and landing, without any routine need for availability of a human crew.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relate to aerostats, aerostat ground stations, aerostat control systems, and methods of controlling tethered aerostats.DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]Moored (i.e., tethered) lighter-than-air craft, i.e., aerostats, have had widespread use in several actual and potential applications, such as surveillance, advertising, telecommunications, and weather monitoring. There has also been increased interest in employing tethered aerostats or kite-based systems for lofting relatively small wind turbines, as such arrangements to deliver wind energy at lower cost than traditional tower-mounted turbines of comparable size and altitude, and can easily access higher altitudes (and thus steadier, stronger winds) than any practical tower system.[0003]That aerostats can easily achieve altitudes comparable to or higher than traditional fixed towers is advantageous for several reasons, including greater coverage of earth surface at favor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]However, even advanced prior methods for altitude and attitude control have not overcome certain disadvantages of aerostat systems. Most notably, human crews are still required for the launch and landing of aerostats. Because aerostats may be damaged or destroyed by severe weather or other circumstances, crews must be ready to lower and dock them on short notice at any time of day or night. Re-launch when conditions are again favorable also requires a human crew. Such operations may be necessary at any time, mandating round-the-clock availability of a human crew. This raises aerostat operating costs. Moreover, docking operations can be hazardous for human crew members, especially in extreme weather conditions, precisely when aerostat landing is most desirable.

[0006]There is therefore a need for an aerostat system and method of operating a tethered lighter-than-air craft that eliminates the need for continual human crew availability while also realizing all the advantages of aerostats over towers and kites for various payloads.

[0008]Embodiments of the invention enable routine autonomous execution of at least some major phases of aerostat operation in response to commands from human or automated external operators, a built-in decision-making capacity, or both. Various embodiments combine one or more actively controlled tethers, aerodynamic aerostat control surfaces, mechanical assistive devices (e.g., jointed arms attached to a ground station), and / or active propulsors attached to the aerostat to govern aerostat behavior during launch, flight, and landing phases of operation. Some embodiments of the invention enable automatic autonomous performance of all phases of routine aerostat operation, including launch, flight, and landing, without any routine need for availability of a human crew.

Problems solved by technology

However, even advanced prior methods for altitude and attitude control have not overcome certain disadvantages of aerostat systems.

Because aerostats may be damaged or destroyed by severe weather or other circumstances, crews must be ready to lower and dock them on short notice at any time of day or night.

This raises aerostat operating costs.

Moreover, docking operations can be hazardous for human crew members, especially in extreme weather conditions, precisely when aerostat landing is most desirable.

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